PITTSBURGH (PTTP) – As the iconic film Slap Shot celebrates its 47th Anniversary, the legacy
of the cult classic remains as vibrant as ever, particularly in the steel town of Johnstown,
Pennsylvania, just a two-hour drive east from Pittsburgh.
Forty years since the cameras rolled in Johnstown, remnants of the movie still linger throughout
the quaint streets of this small community. From the statue commemorating the heroic dog to the
park where Paul Newman and Lindsay Crouse shared a poignant scene, the town wears its
cinematic history proudly.
Yet, beneath the nostalgia lies a city scarred by economic hardship. Johnstown, once a bustling
hub fueled by steel production, suffered a devastating blow when the Bethlehem Steel
Corporation shuttered its mill in 1982. The subsequent exodus of jobs and residents left the town
reeling, its population dwindling from over 70,000 to under 20,000 today.
Reflecting on the town’s resilience, Johnstown Police Captain Chad Miller remarked, “It’s just
like the movie ‘Slap Shot’ – and the town takes pride in the movie. It’s not a town that dies
easily. It’s definitely a fighting town” (JMcDonald, ESPN).
Indeed, amidst the economic challenges, hockey emerged as a beacon of hope for Johnstown.
The Charlestown Chiefs, immortalized in “Slap Shot”, were modeled after the Johnstown Jets, a
minor league team that thrived from 1950 to 1977. Today, the Johnstown Tomahawks keep the
hockey spirit alive, with fervent support from locals like Scott McLachlan, who has run Scott’s
by Dam sports bar for over three decades.
As the Pittsburgh region basks in its sporting glory, boasting multiple Super Bowl and Stanley
Cup victories, the mountainous terrain separating Pittsburgh from Johnstown serves as a
reminder of the divergent paths these cities have taken. Yet, through the highs and lows, the
enduring spirit of “Slap Shot” continues to unite them, showcasing the resilience of communities
bound by their love for the game.